Effect of zeolite dietary supplementation on physiological responses and production of laying hens drinking saline well water in south sinai

Abstract

This study conducted to investigate the effects of dietary zeolite on egg production, egg quality and blood constituents of hens under drinking saline well water. 180 hens were randomly divided into six equal groups (30 hens / group). 1st group (T), hens drank tap water and fed basal diet. The 2nd group (T1), hens drank tap water and fed diet containing 2 % zeolite. The 3rd group (T2), hens drank tap water and fed diet containing 4 % zeolite. 4th group (S), hens drank saline well water and fed basal diet. 5th group (S1), hens drank saline well water and fed diet containing 2 % zeolite. 6th group (S2), hens drank saline well water and fed diet containing 4 % zeolite. Red blood cells and hemoglobin were significant lower in the hens of S compared to other treatments. Hens of S group showed significant decrease in total protein, globulin, glucose and total antioxidant capacity concentrations as compared to the hens of T and T2 groups. Alanine transaminase, aspartic transaminase and creatinine were significantly increased in the hens of S group compared to other treatments. Aldosterone hormone was significantly decreased in the hens of S compared to them in T, T1 and T2 groups. Egg weight significantly increased in the hens of S2 compared with hens in T and S groups. Egg number and egg mass were significant increase in the T1, T2 and S2 compared to hens in T, S and S1 groups. Hens of T1, T2 and S2 groups had significantly improved feed conversion compared to hens of S group. Hens of S group had significantly decreased shell thickness compared to other treatments. In conclusion, under drinking saline well water, addition of zeolite to laying hens' diets at levels 4 % might improve productive performance and eggshell quality.